“Sisterhood Above All” dives deep into the characters of Dune: Prophecy

As a seasoned fan of the original Dune novel series, I must say that this episode, much like the spice melange itself, was rich and complex. The backstory weaved into Valya and Tula’s characters added depth to their relationships and motives, making the sisters’ actions all the more intriguing.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on Disney+’s recent “Star Wars” TV series, titled “The Acolyte.” In this intriguing tale, we follow two estranged sisters who possess formidable Force abilities. However, I must admit that the third episode left me somewhat disappointed.

In a slightly different wording: The third installment of “Dune: Prophecy, titled “Sisterhood Above All,” carries out a similar function, but it executes it significantly better. This could be due to the fact that episodes in “Dune: Prophecy ” tend to be longer than those in “The Acolyte,” allowing for more time to delve into the narrative. It may also be a result of Emily Watson and Olivia Williams’ exceptional portrayal of their characters, Valya and Tula Harkonnen, in the first two episodes, which left me eager to explore their characters as young women. Alternatively, it could simply be that the story is more engaging.

It seems highly probable that it involves all three elements. Regardless, it was an impactful episode of television that provided insights into Valya and Tula’s characters, as well as continuing to advance the storyline.

Dune: Prophecy review, Episode 3, “Sisterhood Above All”

On a frigid, outdated planet named Lankiveil, Valya and Tula were raised, a place where the Harkonnen family found exile after a fierce conflict with intelligent machines that nearly wiped out humanity. The Harkonnens were portrayed as traitors in this battle, but their actions were far more complex than what was presented; this seems to align with the prequel books of Dune penned by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Valya (Jessica Barden), a young woman, harbors resentment towards their exile and is resolved to restore her family’s status, though her parents and uncle view her as selfish and presumptuous. Her siblings Tula (Emma Canning) and Griffin (Earl Cave) are more understanding, but what can three determined youngsters accomplish against the tide of history?

If you are Valya, small obstacles don’t deter you. This episode effectively portrays the younger version of this character as bold, self-assured, and tenacious, suggesting that she could evolve into the older version played by Emily Watson. However, in this storyline, she is less seasoned and more exposed to danger. When Griffin, who is being prepared as the family’s savior, follows her guidance and attempts to clear Vorian Atreides’ name regarding the Harkonnens’ betrayal, he meets an unfortunate end. Already disliked by the family, Valya is now blamed for Griffin’s death, making a difficult situation even more sorrowful, petty, and pitiful. It’s not hard to comprehend why Valya yearns to be somewhere other than Lankiveil.

Before Griffin passed away, Valya had intended to join the Sisterhood and learn to be her brother’s Truthsayer. However, her parents persuaded her to go to Wallach IX instead. Despite this, her true desire now is to track down and punish the Atreides wretches who murdered her brother. Nevertheless, she captivates her peers with her boldness and gains the attention of Mother Superior Raquella (Cathy Tyson), who recognizes her potential and starts mentoring her as a possible future successor.

However, ultimately, Valya finds herself unable to dedicate herself completely to the Sisterhood due to her ongoing family business obligations. The situation shifts dramatically as she receives a message compelling her to go back home.

Tula Harkonnen, little miss mass murderer

Valya’s time at the Bene Gesserit school was probably the weakest part of the episode for me. It wasn’t bad, but it was a lot of getting us caught up with where Valya has to be at the start of the show. Also, there were times when I wasn’t sure if I was looking at the current crop of Bene Gesserit sisters or at Young Valya and her friends. It’s risky to do a flashback-heavy episode this early in a show’s run, before we’ve really settled in with our present-day cast. I think the show gets away with it, but it’s playing with fire, especially since the premiere episode also opened with a lengthy prologue.

In a surprising turn of events, Tula’s reminiscence proved particularly effective. This was largely due to an unexpected plot twist that I hadn’t anticipated. We revisit Young Tula, who is seen spending time with her new beau Orry (played by Milo Callaghan). Later, we learn that Orry is a member of the Atreides family, which explains why Tula is participating in their forest retreat. The aim here is not mere fellowship; it’s a carefully planned move to bring together the Atreides for Tula to exact her revenge for Griffin’s death.

The show subtly establishes this detail without me realizing it initially. There’s a significant scene where Tula instructs a young member of House Atreides (portrayed by Archie Barnes, who you might recognize from ‘House of the Dragon’) on how to remove organs from an animal, specifically avoiding a harmful organ near its stomach. Interestingly, this lesson later comes into play when Tula humanely euthanizes a horse with a broken leg using that poison. This act prevents any possibility of the horse recovering. However, we are not forewarned about this detail and assume the horse’s death is final. Yet, we witness Tula instructing the young Atreides to carry a pot filled with a delightful liquid into the center of the gathering. Throughout the night, the entire Atreides family partakes in this drink. When viewed retrospectively, these events make perfect sense.

We can infer that Tula is hiding something from her Atredies boyfriend, which turns out to be that she’s a Harkonnen. After an intense night together, he notices the unusual quietness outside. Upon leaving their hut and stepping outside, he sees the dead bodies, and in that moment, she injects him with a poisonous syringe, causing his death in her arms while she cries. The only one left alive is the boy who assisted her in preparing the poisonous punch bowl, whom she allows to escape.

As a devoted moviegoer, I must say that Tula, among the two sisters, appears more tender-hearted, and the series seems to convey her struggle with what she’s undertaking. Yet, she persists in her actions. Was it her burning desire for revenge that drove her so relentlessly? Or was she trying to gain her sister’s approval, being the last of their kin alive? (The message Valya receives at school hints that Tula might have been involved, as it suggests the mission is complete.) The episode leaves us questioning, but it certainly delves deeper into these characters’ pasts, offering a richer understanding of who they are. I find myself feeling more connected to them now.

Back to the future

It’s crucial for the contemporary scenes that Tula, forced out of the palace, finds shelter with an unlikely group – her very own relatives, even her still-living uncle who whizzes about in a levitating scooter reminiscent of Baron Harkonnen’s suspensor belts from Dune. (This role is filled by Mark Addy, best known as King Robert Baratheon from Game of Thrones.) Now that we’ve witnessed the animosity between Tula and her family, it becomes clear how desperate she must feel to turn to them for shelter. However, as she acknowledges, sacrifices are necessary.

Regarding Tula, her past actions continue to weigh heavily on her conscience, and it appears as though she’s trying to atone. As a young girl, Tula mercifully ended the life of a sick horse. However, when it comes to Lila, she finds herself unable to let her go after subjecting her to the torment of spices. In an attempt to prolong Lila’s life, Tula employs forbidden technology – a choice that takes on new significance in light of her earlier readiness to take a life.

To put it simply, this episode didn’t pack a lot of action, yet it was satisfyingly spent. However, I worry that by the end of the season (given it’s just six episodes), it might appear as if not much has transpired. Flashbacks are fine if they’re engaging like these, but time is valuable.

Dune: Bullet Points

• There’s a scene after Tula kills the Atreides where she and Valya are back at home, their mom is being a jerk to Valya, and Valya uses the voice to get her own mother to pick up her knife. She doesn’t order her mom to drive it into her throat, one of Valyra’s go-to moves, but it’s still pretty disturbing.
• Using a syringe given to her by Mother Raquella, Valya becomes a Reverend Mother on that trip home, with Tula guiding her back to life with her voice. That’s what Valya meant last week when she said that Tula had guided people through the spice agony before.

Episode Grade: B

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2024-12-02 06:42